Development Director

The purpose of the role is to plan and deliver strategically the fundraising required for the ongoing success of NCO, enabling this important national music organisation to develop and deliver its mission.

Main Responsibilities 

Strategy and Planning

Working with the Chief Executive and Development and Communications Committee to set and lead on the development of NCO’s development strategy, setting fundraising targets in line with strategic objectives.

Oversee all fundraising activity and report to the Chief Executive, NCO Board and Finance Committee on progress towards income targets.

As a member of the Senior Management Team, represent the Development function to ensure full account is taken of development potential whilst contributing towards the leadership and strategic direction of NCO.

Individual Giving

Lead on re-establishing NCO’s Individual Giving programme, drawing on the potential pipeline of current stakeholders (eg parents and alumni) and delegating to/working with the Development Team in its successful delivery.

Lead on new mid/major donor giving and relationships including legacies, personally managing a portfolio of prospects and donors.

Support the Development team to lead in the delivery of NCO’s annual giving programmes, ie Friends and Patrons.

Lead on individual campaigns, working collaboratively with the Development team to maximise opportunities to engage with new supporters through events and matched funding initiatives (eg The Big Give).

Work with the Chief Executive and other senior staff to ensure the continued engagement and support of the NCO Board.

Trusts and Foundations

Lead on fundraising from Trusts & Foundations and other grant giving bodies (excluding statutory funding).

Research and cultivate existing and new funders, working with the Chief Executive, Board and the Development Team to initiate new partnerships and maintaining systems to ensure that those partnerships are successfully managed and sustained.

Prepare compelling major grant applications to secure new funding with sound attention to detail, and work with colleagues by leading and advising on other vital grant applications undertaken by members of the Development team, sharing best practice in fundraising to develop the organisation’s skills.

As part of the Development team, provide appropriate and timely monitoring information to trusts and foundations, as required by their conditions of support including, where appropriate, organising events and visits.

Corporate Fundraising

Lead the Development team on stewarding existing and cultivating new corporate sponsors and ensuring benefits and recognition are delivered across NCO’s marketing channels.

Statutory Funding

Support the Chief Executive and wider team to ensure that NCO fulfils its quarterly and annual reporting requirements to Arts Council England and the Department for Education and in the creation of new funding applications including as part of the next ACE Investment Review.

(NB: The day to day management and reporting requirements of NCO’s NPO and DfE grants will be managed by a newly appointed Business Administrator and overseen by the Chief Executive).

Organisation and Management

Line manage NCO’s Development Manager through individual objective setting and performance management, regular 1:1 meetings and identification of training needs.

Empower the Development team by ensuring they have regular opportunities to develop their skills and experience across different areas of fundraising and through training whilst supporting them wholeheartedly in their professional development.

Inspire and lead the Development team, and set an example, on the application, implementation and adherence to all NCO policies and procedures.

Support the Development team to lead on the development of NCO’s CRM System (Beacon) in specific relation to its fundraising functions, in line with the Data Protection Act.

Maximise the potential of Gift Aid from all donations, supporting the Development team to ensure all donations and payments received are appropriately logged, accompanied by appropriate paperwork and in line with annual audit requirements and submitted in a timely manner.

Produce Development reports for quarterly Board and Finance Committee meetings, attending online and in person as required.

Undertake research and maintain a high level of knowledge about trusts, foundations, individuals, and statutory funding to inform planning.

Represent NCO at conferences undertaking public and media presentations, attending conferences and events and lobbying forums as appropriate